Is your company killing innovation without realizing it?
This episode was recorded in German.
Ben Bensaou makes the case for a new innovation culture
Innovation isn't a flash of genius. It's a process. And that's exactly the process Prof. Ben Bensaou, renowned professor at INSEAD Business School, makes clear and practical in his conversation with Christian Underwood: for executives, mid-sized companies, and anyone who wants to demystify innovation.
Innovation starts with every individual
Forget the cliché of the brilliant inventor or the groundbreaking Silicon Valley startup. Ben Bensaou shows that the best innovations often grow out of small ideas, from people working close to the problem. Innovation isn't the privilege of R&D departments. It's a mindset that can be encouraged across the entire company. "Anyone can innovate, if they're encouraged and enabled to do it," says Ben Bensaou.
Innovating instead of innovation
The difference is more than just semantic. The word innovation often creates pressure ("Now deliver something big!"), while innovating opens the door to an open, creative process. Observing, asking questions, spotting patterns: everyone in the company can learn and apply this. It's not about the perfect idea, it's about continuous curiosity and improvement.
Two engines for business success
Ben Bensaou describes successful companies as "two-engine systems." On one side, there's the execution engine that runs day-to-day business efficiently. On the other, you need an innovation engine that creates space for creative thinking: deliberately, with a clear mandate, and protected from everyday pressure. That's the only way to build lasting innovation capability.
Leadership means allowing, supporting, and saying thank you
One key takeaway: leaders don't have to innovate themselves, but they do have to make it possible. It starts with "permission" to think creatively, continues with providing tools and time, and ends with recognition. "Ideas are gifts," says Ben Bensaou. And when you receive one, the first thing to do is say thank you.
For everyone who'd rather not wait for a miracle
This episode is for entrepreneurs, executives, and decision-makers who don't want to leave innovation to chance. It shows that this isn't rocket science. It takes a clear stance, openness, and the courage to try new paths.
🎧 Listen now and find out how small steps unlock serious innovation power
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